Tempo runs are a great workout for runners who want to get better at running long distances and faster too. So, what makes tempo runs so helpful? Let’s explain it in simple terms.
A tempo run is when you run at a steady, challenging pace. It’s not too easy but also not too hard. This pace is around your lactate threshold.
Lactate threshold is the point where your body starts building up lactic acid faster than it can get rid of it. When you reach this point, it can feel harder to keep going. Usually, this is a pace you could hold for about an hour during a race.
Better Lactate Threshold: By doing tempo runs often, your body learns to get rid of lactic acid more quickly. For example, if you usually run at a 6-minute mile pace, tempo runs can help you get closer to running a 5:45 minute mile.
Stronger Endurance: Tempo runs also help you build stamina. If you run for about 20 to 30 minutes at your tempo pace, your body learns to keep a good speed even when you feel tired.
Faster Over Distance: By putting tempo runs into your training routine, you not only increase your overall running ability but also get faster at longer distances.
Start with a warm-up to get your body ready. Then, run at your tempo pace for 15 to 30 minutes. Finally, cool down afterward to help your body recover.
As you practice more, you can slowly increase how long you run at that tempo pace.
With regular tempo runs, you’ll likely see big improvements in your endurance and race times!
Tempo runs are a great workout for runners who want to get better at running long distances and faster too. So, what makes tempo runs so helpful? Let’s explain it in simple terms.
A tempo run is when you run at a steady, challenging pace. It’s not too easy but also not too hard. This pace is around your lactate threshold.
Lactate threshold is the point where your body starts building up lactic acid faster than it can get rid of it. When you reach this point, it can feel harder to keep going. Usually, this is a pace you could hold for about an hour during a race.
Better Lactate Threshold: By doing tempo runs often, your body learns to get rid of lactic acid more quickly. For example, if you usually run at a 6-minute mile pace, tempo runs can help you get closer to running a 5:45 minute mile.
Stronger Endurance: Tempo runs also help you build stamina. If you run for about 20 to 30 minutes at your tempo pace, your body learns to keep a good speed even when you feel tired.
Faster Over Distance: By putting tempo runs into your training routine, you not only increase your overall running ability but also get faster at longer distances.
Start with a warm-up to get your body ready. Then, run at your tempo pace for 15 to 30 minutes. Finally, cool down afterward to help your body recover.
As you practice more, you can slowly increase how long you run at that tempo pace.
With regular tempo runs, you’ll likely see big improvements in your endurance and race times!